BILL OF RIGHTS FOR BATTERED WOMEN

I am not to blame for being beaten and abused
I am not the cause of another's violent behaviour
I do not like it or want it
I do not have to take it
I am an important human being
I am a worthwhile woman
I deserve to be treated with respect
I do have power to take care of myself
I can decide for myself what is best for me
I can make changes in my life if I want to
I am not alone I can help others to help me
I am worth working for and changing for
I deserve to make my own life safe and happy

She has the right not to be abused
She has a right to anger over past beatings
She has the right to choose to change the situation
She has a right to freedom from fear of abuse
She has a right to request and expect assistance from police and social agencies
She has a right to share her feelings and not be isolated from others
She has a right to want a better role model of communication for her children
She has a right to be treated like an adult
She has a right to leave a battering environment
She has a right to privacy
She has a right to express her own thoughts and feelings
She has a right to develop her individual talents and abilities
She has a right to legally prosecute the abusing spouse
She has a right not to be perfect!

Related links:Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

• Read more about the meaning behind the 16-Days.
• See Rutgers University's 16-Day Website.
• Back to 16-Day News Index.